Spin, footwork and reaction time

Hi Coach,

I am struggling with my forehand topspin quite a lot. I’ve gotten the motions down, but I can’t seem to generate any spin. My coach keeps telling me to brush the ball and accelerate into it and it isn’t working for me. Secondly, during training and matches I can’t seem to move my feet off the ground and react to the ball quickly enough; it feels like it flies right past me. I’ve watched your videos on footwork and reaction time, but I was wondering if you had any other tips for me? Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

Hi Ishaq,

To help you with the contact on the ball try to exaggerate the lifting of the ball.  Set up a bar that is really high over the net and try to get the ball to go over the bar and then drop onto the table.  For our Premium members we demonstrate this in the video on Backhand Slow Spinny Topspin.

For reacting to the ball practice more of the ball going to both sides of the table.  Start slowly and then increase the pace.  This ability to see where the ball is coming can be learned with more practice.  Make sure your stance is square on to the table so that you can react to both sides equally.